In a digital age, libraries are more needed than ever

Teen volunteers gaze on while Teresa Ono speaks at the opening of The Mix at the San Francisco Public Library in San Francisco, California, on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

Teen volunteers gaze on while Teresa Ono speaks at the opening of The Mix at the San Francisco Public Library in San Francisco, California, on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

Photo: Brandon Chew, The Chronicle

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San Francisco mayor Ed Lee speaks to the audience of volunteers and the general public at the opening of The Mix at San Francisco Public Library in San Francisco, California, on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

San Francisco mayor Ed Lee speaks to the audience of volunteers and the general public at the opening of The Mix at San Francisco Public Library in San Francisco, California, on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

Photo: Brandon Chew, The Chronicle

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Dayra Banales (left) draws on an interactive glass window as Chazorae Bell (right) and other volunteers watch at the opening of The Mix at San Francisco Public Library in San Francisco, California, on Thursday, June 18, 2015. less

Dayra Banales (left) draws on an interactive glass window as Chazorae Bell (right) and other volunteers watch at the opening of The Mix at San Francisco Public Library in San Francisco, California, on ... more

Photo: Brandon Chew, The Chronicle

In a digital age, libraries are more needed than ever

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We live in a networked world where communication, technology and information all are essential to live a productive life. San Francisco has emerged as the epicenter of this global revolution, creating iconic companies that are rapidly changing the way we live. But San Francisco is also a tale of two cities — one highly literate and educated, the other disconnected from the resources and benefits of technology. This critical divide between the haves and have-nots makes public library systems more relevant than ever.

For decades, libraries throughout the country have worked to overcome the challenge of illiteracy through programs such as Project Read and the Oakland Public Library’s Second Start, both of which employ one-to-one tutoring by community volunteers, in helping others learn to read.

But now, more than ever, libraries are adapting to address the technology revolution and the digital literacy needs of our residents. In San Francisco, a quarter of low-income residents lack Internet access. Embracing this next generation of learners is essential for our entire community to thrive.

San Francisco receives nearly 7 million visits annually to its Main Library and its renovated branches. But children living in poverty are less likely to visit their neighborhood library. The San Francisco Public Library has made it a priority to reach out to youth with low-literacy skills who do not visit or use the library. By partnering with the San Francisco Unified School District, the library hopes to place a library card in the hands of all of our children and youth, following the lead of President Obama’s ConnectED library-card challenge, part of a multibillion-dollar, multiyear effort to transform American education for the digital age.

San Mateo launched the Big Lift, a countywide program aimed at bringing all third-graders to the appropriate reading level. Oakland’s Share the Love program encourages sharing free books outside the library’s walls. These, as well as other new approaches to learning, rely on partnerships and interconnected programs to achieve new levels of literacy.

Amid these programs, a new frontier in reading and media literacy is emerging with the connected learning movement, which seeks to connect a teen’s personal interests, friendships and academic pursuits. This creative approach, which allows teens to learn at their own pace, anywhere, anytime, has been embraced by public libraries.

For adults with low literacy skills, the San Francisco Public Library offers the Bridge, a new learning and literacy center that offers e-learning opportunities such as earning a high school diploma, assistance with learning differences, public computer instruction, family literacy programs, and a Veterans Resource Center. In its first five months, more than 2,200 individuals attended classes at the Bridge.

These are just some of the ways that our libraries are leading the charge for a more literate and fruitful society, greater community engagement and wider participation in our democracy.

Indeed, public libraries remain among our most democratic institutions. Look at the examples set by librarians in Ferguson, Mo., and Baltimore. In the face of civic unrest, these libraries opted to remain open, thus demonstrating their commitment to service and refuge during times of crisis.

The values of social equity and digital inclusion resonate in San Francisco. Our task and challenge lies in spreading the word about the vital role that 21st century public libraries play.

Luis Herrera is the chief librarian of the San Francisco Public Library.